Veteran actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has reflected on the controversial period in 2005 when several leading Nollywood figures, including herself and Genevieve Nnaji, were barred from working with certain movie marketers.
Speaking during an interview on Yanga FM Nigeria, the screen icon described the development as a defining moment that reshaped the direction of her career.
According to Omotola, the restriction affected eight prominent actors at the time—herself, Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Nouah, Jim Iyke, Stella Damasus, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Nkem Owoh, and another colleague—limiting their opportunities to feature in projects controlled by specific marketers.
She explained that the marketers publicly claimed the actors were negatively influencing the industry. However, she maintained that the underlying issue was the group’s insistence on improved production quality and higher professional standards, a stance that reportedly created tension with some individuals who dominated film production and distribution then.
Omotola further revealed that the duration of the ban was not uniform. While a number of the affected actors were reportedly reinstated after about a year, her own situation lasted longer.
She attributed the extended restriction partly to her decision not to attend a meeting organized by the marketers to resolve the dispute, noting that her absence worsened the relationship between her and those enforcing the ban.
Despite the setback, the actress said she refused to remain idle during that phase. Instead, she explored other creative and business pursuits, including venturing into music where she released her debut album at the time.
Beyond entertainment, she also focused on her entrepreneurial interests, paying closer attention to investments and engaging in property-related ventures.
Reflecting on the experience, Omotola said the period ultimately helped her grow in different areas and pushed her to pursue alternative paths rather than dwell on the limitations placed on her acting career.
Recounting the incident, she noted that the initial group affected included herself, Genevieve, Ramsey Nouah, Jim Iyke, Stella Damasus, RMD, Nkem Owoh, and another actor, emphasizing that all eight were placed under the restriction.
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